Combination of a Generator with an Air Compressor

ABSTRACT

The combination of a generator with an air compressor includes an engine having; a generator, a clutch device, an air compressor and a speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism. The engine includes a throttle disposed at a side thereof. The generator includes a power-generating module, an output unit and a shell. The clutch device is comprised of a solenoid valve. The air compressor includes an air-compressing module connected to the clutch device, a plurality of air reservoirs connected to the air-compressing module, and a pressure sensor installed between the air reservoirs and the solenoid valve of the clutch device. The speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism is connected to the throttle of the engine. The speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism includes a motor electrically connected to the output unit, wherein the motor is adapted for moving the throttle to control the speed of the engine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a combination of a generator with an air compressor.

2. Description of the Related Art

Taiwan Patent No. M281348 discloses an apparatus that are adapted to supply electricity and pressurized air. The apparatus includes an engine 1, a generator 2, and an air compressor 3. The engine 1 drives the generator 2 and the air compressor 3 simultaneously so as to provide the electricity and pressurized air at the same time. However, the air compressor 3 hinders the apparatus to provide a stable supply of AC power.

Although the air compressor 3 includes a relief valve 34 for relieving pressure from air reservoirs 31, 32 to help reduce the load and the power consumption, the apparatus still presents a problem of providing unsteady supplying of the electricity, in particular, the AC power.

The present invention is, therefore, intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The combination of a generator with an air compressor includes an engine having; a generator, a clutch device, an air compressor and a speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism. The engine includes a throttle disposed at a side thereof. The generator includes a power-generating module axially connected to the engine, an output unit electrically connected to the power-generating module and a shell enclosing the power-generating module. The clutch device is adapted for mounting on the shell and is connected to the power-generating module. The clutch device is comprised of a solenoid valve. The air compressor includes an air-compressing module connected to the clutch device, a plurality of air reservoirs connected to the air-compressing module, and a pressure sensor installed between the air reservoirs and the solenoid valve of the clutch device. The speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism is connected to the throttle of the engine and disposed at a side thereof. The speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism includes a motor electrically connected to the output unit, wherein the motor is adapted for moving the throttle to control the speed of the engine.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide the solenoid valve of the clutch device disengaging with the air compressor when pressure within air reservoirs is not below the preset standard. Accordingly, the air compressor stops functioning and providing pressurized air. Thus, the air compressor is now saving the power of the engine, and enabling the generator to provide a stable supply of AC power.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide the speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism controlling the speed of the motor, wherein the motor is adapted for moving the throttle to control the speed of the engine. Accordingly, the engine can drive the generator with more power, and thereby providing a stable supply of AC power.

Other objectives, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the present disclosure to be easily understood and readily practiced, the present disclosure will now be described for the purpose of illustration not limitation, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination of a generator with an air compressor in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top elevation view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial, perspective view of the combination of a generator with an air compressor of the present invention, illustrating a clutch device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the clutch device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side, cross-sectional view illustrating the clutch device is operating in one position.

FIG. 7 a side, cross-sectional view illustrating the clutch device is operating in another position.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view illustrating an engine equipped on the generator and air compressor combination in accordance with the present invention is operating at one speed.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view illustrating an engine equipped on the generator and air compressor combination in accordance with the present invention is operating at another speed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram in schematic form illustrating a circuitry of the generator and air compressor combination in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a combination of a generator with an air compressor in accordance with the present invention includes an engine 10, a generator 20 axially connected to the engine 10, a clutch device 30, an air compressor 40, a speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism 50 and a platform 60. The engine 10 has a throttle 11 disposed at a side and is axially connected to the generator 20 via a power-generating module 21. The power-generating module 21 of the generator 20 is rotatable with respect to the engine 10. The power-generating module 21 includes an axle 211 connected to the clutch device 30 by a belt-driven mechanism 61. The belt-driven mechanism 61 is comprised of a first pulley 611 and a second pulley 612. The clutch device 30 is rotatable with respect to the power-generating module 21. The generator 20 also includes an output unit 22 and a shell 23. The output unit 22 includes a DC output module 221 and a plurality of AC output modules 222. The output unit 22 is disposed at a side of the platform 60. It is to be understood that there is no restriction on the number of DC output module 221 and AC output module 222 in the output unit 22. The shell 23 is adapted to receive the power-generating module 21. The platform 60 is adapted for attachment of the engine 10, the generator 20 and the shell 23 thereon.

The clutch device 30 is adapted to mount on the shell 23. As best seen from FIGS. 4 and 7, the clutch device 30 includes a mounting base 31, a spindle 32, a solenoid valve 33 disposed in a space 36, and a rotating mechanism 34 selectively controlled by the solenoid valve 33. The mounting base 31 is attached to the shell 23 and includes a first wall 35 and a second wall 37 extended upwardly thereof. A bore 351 is defined on the first wall 35 and is adapted to allow the spindle 32 to insert therethrough. The spindle 32 has a first end 321 disposed in the space 36 between the first wall 35 and the second wall 36 and a second end 322 outside the space 36. The second end 322 of the spindle 32 is adapted to connect to the second pulley 612 of the belt-driven mechanism 61. The solenoid valve 33 includes a valve seat 331, coils 332, a driving member 333 and a bushing 334. The valve seat 331 is adapted for reception of the coils 332 and the driving member 333, with the coils 332 being disposed therebetween. The solenoid valve 33 is rotatable with respect to the spindle 32 by connecting the bushing 334 to the spindle 32. The rotating mechanism 34 includes an axle 341, a bushing 342 and a plurality of elastic sections 343 connected to the bushing 342. The axle 341 is adapted for receiving the bushing 342. When the coils 332 is electrified, the rotating mechanism 34 is magnetically attracted to join the driving member 333, the elastic sections 343 are bended, the axle 341 is rotated in relation to the rotating mechanism 34, and thereby driving the air compressor 40. On the contrary, when the magnetic force no longer exists between the rotating mechanism 34 and the driving member 333, the elastic sections 343 are biased back to their original shapes, causing the rotating mechanism 34 to move away from the driving member 333, thereby stopping the running of the air compressor 40.

The air compressor 40 is disposed at a side of the clutch device 30 and includes an air-compressing module 41 connected to the axle 341 of the clutch device 30, a plurality of air reservoirs 42 for storing the pressurized air and a pressure sensor 43. The pressure sensor 43 is installed between the air reservoirs 42 and the solenoid valve 33 of the clutch device 30. The pressure sensor 43 is adapted for detecting pressure in the air reservoirs 42. If the pressure within the air reservoir 42 is less than the preset standard, the solenoid valve 33 is electrified, and the air compressor 40 is actuated to produce pressurized air.

The speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism 50 is connected to the throttle 11 of the engine 10 and disposed at a side thereof. The speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism 50 serves the purpose of controlling the speed of the engine 10. As best seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism 50 includes a frame 51 secured to the engine 10 at a side, a motor 52 mounted to the frame 51, a linear guide 53 and a control arm 54. The control arm 54 is adapted for interconnecting the linear guide 53 and the throttle 11. The frame 51 include two limit switches 511 mounted thereon, with one being disposed at a distal end and another being disposed at a proximal end respectively. The limit switches 511 are adapted for restraining the displacement of the linear guide 53. Preferably, the linear guide 53 may be a ball screw. The motor 52 is electrically connected to the output unit 22. The control arm 54 is axially moved by the motor 52 such that the movement of the control arm 54 causes the throttle 11 to change the speed of the motor 10.

Referring to FIG. 10 for a block diagram in schematic form illustrating a circuitry of the generator and air compressor combination in accordance with the present invention, the block diagram shows the pressure in the air reservoirs 42 is set to a standard prior to pre-amplifying and processing the signal, the signal is then directed through a control logic for or bypassed to a limit switch before post-amplifying. The post-amplified signal is then directed through a drive circuit, the speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism 50 and the generator 20. Finally, the signal is feed-backed to the preamplifier.

According to the generator and air compressor combination of the present invention, the engine 10 is adapted for driving the generator 20 and the air compressor 40 to provide electricity and pressurized air. The pressurized air is thereafter stored in the air reservoir 42. When the pressure within the air reservoir 42 reaches the preset standard, the air compressor 40 will stop functioning and producing the pressurized air.

When in use with a pneumatic tool, the pressure within the air reservoirs 42 gradually decreases and drops below the preset standard, causing the pressure sensor 43 to electrify the solenoid valve 33 of the clutch device 30. Accordingly, the rotating mechanism 34 is joined with the driving member 333, and the air compressor 40 is actuated to provide pressurized air in order to maintain the pressure within the air reservoir 42 above the standard to ensure stable operation of the pneumatic tool.

An electric tool is readily operable after connecting to the output module 222 of the generator 20. If the power supplied to the tool is not stable, a signal is generated from the output unit 22. The signal is adapted for controlling the motor 52 of the speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism 50, and thereby driving the control arm 54 and the throttle 11 to increase the speed of the engine 10. Accordingly, stable power is provided to the electric tool.

When the use of the electric tool is finished, the motor 52 receives a signal generated from the output unit 22 to cause the engine 10 to slow down to save engine oil.

In one aspect of the combination of a generator with an air compressor in accordance with the present invention, the solenoid valve 33 of the clutch device 30 disengages with the air compressor 40 when pressure within air reservoirs 42 is not below the preset standard. Accordingly, the air compressor 40 stops functioning and providing pressurized air. Thus, the air compressor 40 is now saving the power of the engine 10, and enabling the generator 20 to provide a stable supply of AC power In another aspect of the present invention, the speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism 50 controls the speed of the motor 52, wherein the motor 52 is adapted for moving the throttle 11 to control the speed of the engine 10. Accordingly, the engine 10 can drive the generator 20 with more power, and thereby providing a stable supply of AC power.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of invention and the scope of invention is only limited by the scope of accompanying claims. 

1. A combination of a generator with an air compressor comprising: an engine; a generator including a power-generating module axially connected to the engine, an output unit electrically connected to the power-generating module and a shell enclosing the power-generating module; a clutch device is adapted for mounting on the shell, said clutch device being connected to the power-generating module, said clutch device being comprised of a solenoid valve and; an air compressor including an air-compressing module connected to the clutch device, a plurality of air reservoirs connected to the air-compressing module, and a pressure sensor installed between the air reservoirs and the solenoid valve of the clutch device.
 2. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the clutch device includes a mounting base mounted on the shell, with the base including a first wall and a second wall, a spindle inserted through the first wall of the mounting base, a rotating mechanism controlled by the solenoid valve, with the solenoid valve being mounted on the spindle.
 3. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 2 wherein the rotating mechanism includes an axle, a bushing mounted to the axle and a plurality of elastic sections connected to the bushing.
 4. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 2 wherein the solenoid valve includes a valve seat, coils and a driving member, with the coils being disposed between the solenoid valve and the driving member, and with the driving member being disposed on the valve seat.
 5. The combination of a generator with an air compressor comprising: an engine including a throttle disposed at a side thereof; a generator including a power-generating module axially connected to the engine, an output unit electrically connected to the power-generating module and a shell enclosing the power-generating module; an air compressor including an air-compressing module connected to the clutch device, a plurality of air reservoirs connected to the air-compressing module, and a pressure sensor installed between the air reservoirs and the solenoid valve of the clutch device and; a speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism connected to the throttle of the engine and disposed at a side thereof, with the speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism including a motor electrically connected to the output unit, wherein the motor is adapted for moving the throttle to control the speed of the engine.
 6. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 5 wherein the speed accelerating/decelerating mechanism includes a frame secured to the engine at a side, a linear guide operable by the motor and a control arm interconnecting the liner guide and the throttle.
 7. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 5 wherein the frame include two limit switches mounted thereon, with one being disposed at a distal end and another being disposed at a proximal end respectively, wherein the limit switches are adapted for restraining the displacement of the linear guide.
 8. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 1 includes platform, with the engine and the generator being received on the platform, and with the air compressor being mounted on the generator.
 9. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 5 includes platform, with the engine and the generator being received on the platform, and with the air compressor being mounted on the generator.
 10. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 8 includes a belt-driven mechanism installed between the generator and the air compressor.
 11. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 9 includes a belt-driven mechanism installed between the generator and the air compressor.
 12. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the output unit includes a plurality of DC output modules and AC output modules.
 13. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 5 wherein the output unit includes a plurality of DC output modules and AC output modules.
 14. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 10 wherein the power-generating module includes an axle connected to the clutch device by the belt-driven mechanism, wherein the clutch device is rotatable with respect to the power-generating module.
 15. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 11 wherein the power-generating module includes an axle connected to the clutch device by the belt-driven mechanism, wherein the clutch device is rotatable with respect to the power-generating module.
 16. The combination of a generator with an air compressor as claimed in claim 4 wherein the solenoid valve includes a bushing receiving the spindle, wherein the bushing is rotatable with respect to the spindle. 